Step-by-Step Guide to Brick Edging Installation

Brick edging is a classic and durable way to define garden beds, pathways, driveways, and lawn borders. It provides a clean, polished look while helping to prevent soil erosion, grass encroachment, and mulch spillover. Installing brick edging is a manageable DIY project that can enhance the curb appeal and functionality of your outdoor space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of brick edging installation, from planning to finishing touches.

Why Choose Brick Edging?

Before diving into the installation process, it’s helpful to understand why brick edging is a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers:

• Durability: Bricks withstand weather changes better than wood or plastic edging.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic red bricks add warmth and texture to any garden design.
• Low Maintenance: Once installed properly, brick edging requires minimal upkeep.
• Versatility: Suitable for straight lines or curves, bricks can be laid in many patterns.
• Cost-effectiveness: Bricks are relatively affordable and widely available.

With these advantages in mind, let’s get started with the step-by-step installation process.

Materials and Tools Needed

Before beginning the project, gather the necessary materials and tools:

Materials

• Bricks (standard size or your preferred style)
• Masonry sand or fine gravel
• Landscape fabric (optional)
• Concrete mix or mortar (optional for a permanent installation)
• Edging stakes (optional)
• Gravel or crushed stone (for base drainage)

Tools

• Tape measure
• Garden hose or string line
• Shovel or spade
• Rubber mallet
• Level
• Wheelbarrow (for mixing concrete if used)
• Trowel (if using mortar)
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

Step 1: Plan Your Edging Layout

Determine the Location

Identify the area where you want to install brick edging. Common places include:

• Around flower beds
• Along walkways or driveways
• Between lawn and garden areas

Measure the Length

Use a tape measure to determine the total length of the area needing edging. This helps estimate how many bricks you’ll need.

Mark the Layout

Use a garden hose, string line, or spray paint to outline the desired edging path. For curves, a garden hose works best as it can be molded to any shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground

Clear the Area

Remove any grass, plants, rocks, or debris from the marked area. You’ll need a clean workspace for the bricks.

Dig a Trench

Dig a trench about 4 to 6 inches deep and approximately 6 to 8 inches wide along your marked layout. The trench depth depends on whether you want the bricks flush with ground level or slightly raised.

If installing bricks flush with soil level:
– Dig deeper so that after adding base material and laying bricks, they’ll be even with surrounding ground.

For raised brick edging:
– Adjust depth accordingly but ensure stability.

Optional: Lay Landscape Fabric

Place landscape fabric at the bottom of your trench to prevent weed growth under your edging. Secure it with landscape staples if needed.

Step 3: Create a Stable Base

Add Gravel or Crushed Stone

Pour about 2 inches of gravel or crushed stone into the trench. This promotes drainage and prevents shifting due to frost heave or settling.

Compact the Base

Use a tamper tool or simply stomp down firmly on the gravel layer to compact it tightly.

Add Sand Layer

Add 1 to 2 inches of masonry sand over the gravel base. This helps level out imperfections and provides a smooth surface for brick placement.

Use a board or flat piece of wood to screed (level) the sand evenly across the trench length.

Step 4: Lay the Bricks

Dry Lay First (Recommended)

Before permanently setting bricks with mortar or concrete, dry lay them in your trench. This allows you to check for fit and make any alignment adjustments.

Arrange bricks end-to-end along your layout:

• For straight edges, place bricks side by side.
• For curved edges, angle bricks slightly so they follow the curve naturally.

Leave about a 1/8 inch gap between bricks for expansion if not using mortar.

Adjust Alignment and Leveling

Use a rubber mallet to tap each brick so it’s seated firmly into the sand base. Check that all bricks are level using a carpenter’s level. Adjust sand beneath bricks as needed.

Step 5: Secure the Brick Edging

You have two main options here depending on how permanent you want your edging:

Option A: Mortar or Concrete Set (Permanent)

1. Mix concrete or mortar according to package instructions.
2. Apply a thin layer of mortar beneath each brick before setting it in place.
3. Tap gently with mallet for proper seating.
4. Fill gaps between bricks with mortar using a trowel; smooth joints as you go.
5. Allow mortar to cure fully as specified by manufacturer—commonly 24 to 48 hours.
6. Clean excess mortar off brick faces with a damp sponge before it dries completely.

This method creates sturdy and long-lasting edges designed to stay put indefinitely.

Option B: Dry Set with Sand Backfill (Semi-permanent)

1. Once dry laid and leveled, fill gaps between bricks with polymeric sand—a special sand that hardens when moistened.
2. Sweep polymeric sand into joint spaces thoroughly.
3. Mist water over joints lightly; this activates hardening agent in polymeric sand.
4. Allow sand to cure for recommended time (usually 24 hours).

This method allows some flexibility while still holding bricks firmly in place without cementing them permanently.

Step 6: Backfill and Finish

After securing your bricks:

1. Backfill trench on both sides of brick edging with soil.
2. Tamp soil down firmly around edges for added support.
3. Replace grass sod or mulch bed material adjacent to your new edge for clean appearance.
4. Water area lightly if you used polymeric sand to ensure proper curing.

Step 7: Maintenance Tips

Brick edging is low maintenance but benefits from occasional care:

• Inspect yearly for shifting or settling; adjust loose bricks as needed by lifting and resetting with more base material.
• Remove weeds growing between bricks promptly.
• Keep soil levels consistent on both sides of edge to avoid exposure of brick bottoms leading to erosion beneath.
• Pressure wash periodically if moss or dirt buildup occurs on brick surfaces.

Design Ideas Using Brick Edging

Once comfortable installing basic straight edges, experiment with creative layouts such as:

• Circular flower beds framed by concentric rows of bricks.
• Herringbone patterns inside borders for interesting visual texture.
• Multi-level edging by stacking multiple rows of bricks for raised beds.
• Combining colors by mixing red clay bricks with darker pavers for contrast.

Brick edging offers endless versatility beyond simple borders!

Installing brick edging is an excellent way to elevate your garden design while providing functional benefits like soil retention and defined pathways. With careful preparation and attention to detail following this step-by-step guide, you can create professional-looking borders that last for years. Gather your tools, pick up some quality bricks, and start transforming your outdoor spaces today!